Job Vacancy: CSA expands Learning and Development Team

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced Internal Quality Assurer (IQA) to work within an established independent training provider, to oversee quality assurance of its apprenticeship delivery.

Title: Internal Quality Assurer (IQA)
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne/Hybrid
Reports to: Director of Learning and Development
Terms: 2 days per week (15 hours) 
Salary: £15,000 per annum 

Hybrid working is available although the successful candidate must be available to work out of the CSA office in Newcastle as required. 

Job Purpose

To ensure the quality and consistency of teaching, learning, and assessment across all learning pathways, including but not limited to apprenticeships and commercial training. To monitor tutors, coaches and assessors, to validate learner progress, support all to maintain high standards and ultimately contribute to the integrity of L&D and the qualifications that are delivered. In essence, the job holder ensures that learners receive high-quality training and assessment, ultimately contributing to the success of the CSA and the learners themselves. 

Key Responsibilities

• Monitoring Tutor/Coach/Assessor Performance: Conduct regular quality assessments and audits of services, documentation, and processes by Observing delivery and providing clear and timely feedback to ensure adherence to established standards, policies and practices. 
• Sampling Assessment and Feedback:  Reviewing learner work and assessment decisions to identify areas for improvement and ensure consistency. 
• Standardisation of Practice:  Leading the QA activity team to ensure that assessment practices are consistent and fair across all areas of delivery. Support & lead training and development initiatives to improve staff understanding of quality standards.
• Support and Guidance:  Providing support, advice and mentoring to Tutors/Coach/Assessors as required for development needs, either through IQA findings or on request. 
• Compliance:  Ensuring compliance with awarding body requirements and relevant regulations.  
• Continuous Improvement:  Identifying and implementing improvements to meet quality assurance policies and processes. Working as a team to ensure continuous quality improvements and supporting L&D and The CSA in all areas of internal quality assurance. Prepare detailed reports summarising findings, providing clear recommendations for improvement.
• Evaluate compliance: with internal policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Work Collaboratively: Deliver feedback to operational teams in a constructive and supportive manner.
• Record Keeping: Maintain accurate records of assessments, findings, and action plans to evidence activity. Lead the development and review of quality assurance policies, procedures, and standards.
• Governance: Work with the L&D Director to define quality objectives and key performance indicators (KPIs).
• Maintaining personal knowledge: Keep up-to-date with best practices, regulations, and industry trends relevant to the organisation's services.
• Reporting: Assist in preparing for external audits and inspections including Ofsted. Provide reports for and not exclusive to CSA Board and Committee meetings. 
• Continuous Improvement: Champion a culture of continuous improvement and high-quality service delivery across the Learning and Development Function.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential

• Relevant Qualifications: IQA qualification (e.g., Level 4 Award in Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practice) - assessor qualification will be considered if the applicant has IQA experience (e.g., TAQA, A1). 
• Experience of Apprenticeship Standards: Experience of working within an apprenticeship setting, ideally in an IQA role but delivery experience will be considered for the right candidate.
• Strong Understanding of Quality Assurance Principles: Knowledge of assessment processes, standards and regulations. 
• Excellent Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Ability to effectively communicate with staff, contractors and further stakeholders. 
• Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills: Ability to identify issues, analyse data and recommend solutions. 
• Organisational and Time Management Skills: Ability to manage a workload and meet deadlines. 

Desirable

• IT and computer skills: Working knowledge of Bud learner e-portfolio. 
• Apprenticeship standards: Experience of working with apprenticeships including L6 Trading Standards, L4 RCO, L4 Governance Officer and L3 Senior Credit Control Specialist.

Benefits

• Competitive salary.
• 25 days holiday per annum plus bank holidays, with the opportunity to purchase a further 5 days (pro rata).
• Pension.
• Hybrid working available.
• Employee Assistance Scheme.
• Death in Service benefit.

Candidates should be aware that the successful applicant will be required to apply for the appropriate level of DBS, up to enhanced, and offers will be conditional upon receipt of suitable references, DBS and credit check, in line with the CSA’s Safer Recruitment and Good Repute policy.  The Credit Services Association is an equal opportunities employer.

If you are interested in this role please reach out to ashleigh.johnson@csa-uk.com.